Street Legend Joe "The Destroyer" Hammond Takes On Nike

Joe "The Destroyer" Hammond once ruled street basketball courts. His skills were admired by mainstream greats like Pat Riley, Julius Erving and Elgin Baylor. The New York Times described Hammond as "pound for pound....the greatest basketball player to ever come out of Harlem." But instead of signing with the Lakers in 1971 Hammond chose a life on the street. Bad choice? Hammond will tell you he made a wrong call. But he had no choice in deciding if his name and image could be marketed for profit by Nike.

Hammond has filed a lawsuit against Nike for launching a line of apparel without signing a contract or compensating him. Depositions in the case are forthcoming and Nike's application to make a summary judgment motion was denied.

Nike does not deny making the product, putting them in the stores or successful sales but nonetheless claim that they owe llittle to Mr. Hammond for making and successfully selling the products without his permission.

"I've always admired that company... So I was hurt to see them try to do this to me" Hammond says

Royce Russell, Hammond's attorney, says Nike's actions are "outrageous" further saying "these questions and many more must be tried before a jury so that justice can prevail"

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• joe hammond
• basketball
• street ball

[0gumbasia]

Where is his teeth?

[AttentionDeficitDiss]

Give him some cash and some help.But some help first. What a small gesture for nike to apologize. Even if they don't give him any help or cash, the least they can do is give him a better T-shirt than that wack ass backboard & broken rim bull sh;t !!! Get a dope picture of him,press it & hit him w/some of the proceeds!!! Simple

[socrates4999]

the greatest PERIOD! a mathematical genius on the court. The real NEO!

[haitianjack5]

i hope he gets his money and an apology